Residential Burning of Yard and Garden Refuse
- Within the URBAN Containment Boundary: NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME
- In RURAL areas (outside the Urban Containment Boundary): OCTOBER 16 TO APRIL 30 inclusive
- Open air burning of garden refuse is permitted on Friday from sunrise to sunset and Saturday from sunrise to noon in a pile up to 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter, or in a domestic incinerator fitted with a metal screen having 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) or smaller mesh. No permit is required.
- A Special Open Air Burning Permit may be issued to allow burning of garden refuse in a pile up to 2 metres (6 feet) in diameter. Burning is permitted any day of the week, between sunrise and sunset, and permits are issued for a maximum of 7 days. Permit fee: $10.00.
The material burned is to be clean and dry, and in a condition that provides for safe and proper combustion. PAPER PRODUCTS ARE NOT TO BE BURNED, OTHER THAN FOR STARTING A GARDEN REFUSE FIRE. GARBAGE, CONSTRUCTION WASTE, DEMOLITION MATERIAL, RUBBER, ANIMAL AND ORGANIC WASTE IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE BURNED.
Clearance Requirements:
- Location of Open Air Burning Refuse pile: 7.6 m (25 ft) from any building, wooden fence or property line.
- Location of Domestic Incinerators: 1.5 m (5 ft) from any grass, shrub, tree, wooden fence or property line and 7.6 m (25 ft) from any building.
Beach Fires
PERMIT REQUIRED, FEE $10.00
Beach fires are allowed and regulated year round at the following sites subject to compliance with conditions of each permit.
- Telegraph Bay - Northern end of Telegraph Bay Road
- Cordova Bay Beach - from Cordova Bay Park to Sayward Beach
- Sayward Beach off Parker Ave
Voluntary No Burning Days
On days when the Victoria Weather Office forecasts an air inversion or a low ventilation rating, residents and burning permit holders are requested to voluntarily curtail all outdoor burning. The status of ventilation and smoke dispersion is available during the permitted burning season by phoning the Saanich Fire Department SMOKE ABATEMENT HOTLINE -
475-5501
NOTE: The Voluntary No Burning Program also applies for wood burning stoves, fireplace inserts,factory-built and masonry fireplaces. Exemptions: pellet stoves, primary solid fuel fired heating systems that serve as the sole heat source, and approved solid fuel burning appliances meeting EPA emission standards.
Saanich Supports a Healthy Environment
Saanich supports a Healthy Environment. For current information on the status of non-burning (recycling) alternatives, please telephone
SAANICH MUNICIPAL RECYCLING 475-1775, Local 3448
CRD RECYCLING HOTLINE 360-3030
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN A PERMIT PLEASE CONTACT:
Fire Prevention, 760 Vernon Avenue, 475-5500
Saanich Fire Department, Public Information Line 475-5501
No. 1 Fire Station, 760 Vernon Avenue, 475-6111
No. 2 Fire Station, 4595 Elk Lake Drive, 479-1531
No. 3 Fire Station, 1900 McKenzie Avenue, 477-2515
